TechZone360

Apple's iPad 3 to Feature Improved LCD Screens

Based on a news report in Korea Times, TGDaily wrote that iPhone maker Apple, Inc. is in the process of testing next generation liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for its upcoming iPad 3. As per this report, the technology giant has asked both Samsung and LG to design LCD displays with optimized picture quality and density.

“The iPad 3 will feature an improved display to support quad extended graphics (QXGA), a display resolution of 2048×1536 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio to provide full high definition (HD) viewing experience,” an industry source told Korea Times, wrote TG Daily.

Quoting the source, the Korean newspaper wrote “Apple has traditionally preferred to use the same providers of the same parts for the same device, even as they evolve to different versions. I don't see any fundamental change to that approach.”

However, as per this report, the source indicated to the Korean paper that Apple may have little interest in Samsung's flat screens based on organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), which are plagued by shorter life span and easy contamination.

Furthermore, the source added, “Another drawback is the current OLED technology, as it is not at the level to realize a full HD viewing experience, which is important for tablets.”

Nevertheless, according to TG Daily reporter Trent Nouveau, both companies are more than capable of manufacturing high-resolution QXGA screens up to 9.7 inches with advanced production technology based on the use of low temperature polysilicon.

Another source commenting on this development told Korea Times that pixel density is a barometer for viewing quality and should be increased to over 280 pixels-per-inch (PPI) to meet Apple’s stiff requirements for screen viewing.

Recently, Apple shifted the A6 chip production to TSMC, moving away from Samsung. But, a senior Samsung executive told Korea Times that this move will not have a negative impact on future display orders from Apple, wrote Tsai. Quoting Samsung executive, TG Daily wrote, “Apple is first and foremost about product quality, and while it may find other manufacturers to provide customized chips for its new products, the same can't be said about LCDs.”

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.